Aluminum vs Steel chassis

[FUCHSAUDIO]

Yes, magnetic lines of flux will not travel through Aluminum the same way they do through steel. Aluminum is also a "free" heatsink...for regulators and such. For whatever reason, the same amps in aluminum vs steel chassis seem to sound better (whatever that means) in aluminum fwiw imho.

[Cliff Schecht]

If you are relying on a steel chassis to carry large return currents and there is flux being leaked into that same area then yes you will be inducing hum from the power transformer. If you carefully control your high current return paths (so that resistivity in these lines is very low and voltage isn't induced) then the flux won't have anywhere to couple to. Or better stated, any flux that is coupled will induce such small currents that the effective noise voltage will be zilch.

[bal704]

I used to use a place called Dirty Dawg amps for my chassis, but now use Seaside exclusively. I've installed my Dual Rec xfrms in both, and the top of the chassis bounces around like a trampoline when hung tubes down.

What thickness are you using?

Who are you getting your chassis from?

I haven't had any stress problems with aluminum chassis using tubes down layout even with 100w transformers.

Mark

Various suppliers ebay,
www.turretboards.com
www.rjguitars.net
http://amplifiednation.com/
http://www.seasidechassisdesign.com/

[briane]

Is Aluminum not better in regards to not passing magnetic flux from the PT?

yeah, you can build from both, and have a good sounding amp - but I like the electrical properties of magnetic fields better for alum than steel. plus easier to machine.

fuchs has it right on with what Ive seen/heard and tested - same amp steel vs alum, alum sounds better - more sweet to my ears.

never had the $$ to try one of those gold chassies - based on my theories that would sound even better - I think its a lot like wire, dielectric resistance, whatever the mojo is called

-> gold better than silver better than copper better than alum better than steel. in theory.

[FUCHSAUDIO]

I always liked the idea of stainless, but the costs are really prohibitive. The material costs more, but there is a charge for the tools wearing out much faster, so most people won't use it.

[M Fowler]

I used to use a place called Dirty Dawg amps for my chassis, but now use Seaside exclusively. I've installed my Dual Rec xfrms in both, and the top of the chassis bounces around like a trampoline when hung tubes down.

What thickness are you using?

Who are you getting your chassis from?

Various suppliers ebay,
www.turretboards.com
www.rjguitars.net
http://amplifiednation.com/
http://www.seasidechassisdesign.com/

From seaside I get this 12 gauge aluminum type 5052 for custom builds requiring extra strength otherwise his regular grade would be too thin for heavy transformers. Other builders are using stronger material then Seaside.

[FUCHSAUDIO]

There's always the "Mesa solution"

[John_P_WI]

There's always the "Mesa solution"

I wonder IF there is a patent on that??? "Voltage transforming support device"

[Colossal]

There's always the "Mesa solution"

I wonder IF there is a patent on that??? "Voltage transforming support device"

Mesa Tone Bolt.
PATENT PENDING.

[M Fowler]

The Mesa Sagulator and you can determine your load requirements using this handy calculator.

http://www.woodbin.com/calcs/sagulator.htm

[matt h]

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[John_P_WI]

Damn you guys are a clever and funny bunch!

[matt h]

(deleted)